JP3207051B2 - Output device and printing environment transfer control method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an output device such as a printing device communicably connected to an external device such as a host computer and a printing environment transfer control method .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, as one of peripheral devices connected to a host computer, there is a printing apparatus which takes in data supplied from the host computer and outputs the data in a predetermined form.

A printing apparatus has a plurality of functions, and holds a data group for managing a print environment setting menu structure set for these functions. Similarly, the host computer holds a data group for managing the printing environment setting menu structure, and the data group for managing the printing environment setting menu structure is separately managed by the printing apparatus and the host computer. I have.

When data from the host computer is output from the printing apparatus, the setting contents of a data group for managing the printing environment setting menu structure of the printing apparatus and the data group setting for managing the printing environment setting menu structure of the host computer are set. The user performs a setting operation on the printing apparatus and the host computer so that the contents match.

[0005]

However, a data group for managing a menu structure for setting a printing environment includes a printing device,
Since the data is individually managed by the host computer, when the data from the host computer is output from the printing device, the settings of the data group that manages the menu structure for setting the printing environment of the printing device and the settings for the printing environment of the host computer The user needs to perform a setting operation for matching the setting contents of the data group for managing the menu structure, which is troublesome.

An object of the present invention is to make the setting contents of a data group relating to an environment setting menu structure coincide with the setting contents of a data group relating to an environment setting menu structure of an external device without troublesome operation. Output device and
A printing environment transfer control method is provided.

[0007]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
Control code from an external device such as a host computer,
An output device such as a printing device that captures print data including a character code and performs a print process on the print data, and manages a connection unit communicably connected to the external device and a menu structure for setting a print environment. Means for storing a data group for storing, an internal printing environment setting means for setting a printing environment based on the data group, and a transfer means for transferring the data group from the storage means to the external device via the connection means. And when transfer instruction information is supplied
And, based on the power-on, the data group to the external device
Transfer control means for controlling the transfer means to transfer the data to the transfer means .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the output device according to the first aspect, the transfer instruction information is transmitted by a user.
For instructing transfer of the data group to the external device
Being supplied to the transfer means when an operation is performed
It is characterized by.

[0009] The invention according to claim 3 is an invention according to claim 1.
In the input device, the transfer instruction information is transmitted from the external device.
To the transfer means through the connection means
It is characterized by.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is the same as the invention described in claim 1.
The transfer instruction information of the external device.
Supplied to the transfer means when the data group disappears
It is characterized by the following.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a host computer
Control codes and character codes from external devices such as
The print data including the print data
In an output device such as a printing device that performs character processing,
Connection means for communicatively connecting to external devices, and printing environment settings
For storing the data group for managing the menu structure for
Storage means and the data group stored in the storage means.
Transfer means for transferring to the external device via the connection means
And the current setting contents and the previous setting contents of the data group
To determine whether the settings of the data group have been updated.
Determining means for determining
It was determined that the settings of the data group were updated
In this case, the data group is transferred via the transfer unit.
Transfer control means for controlling the transfer so that
It is characterized by.

The invention according to claim 6 is the same as the invention according to claim 5.
Operating method for printing environment setting in the
What is the operation method for the printing environment setting performed on the external device?
It is the same.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a host computer
Control codes and character codes from external devices such as
Captures print data, including communication with the external device
Connects the connection means and the menu structure for setting the printing environment.
Storage means for storing a data group for managing
The output of a printing device that performs print processing for the print data
A print environment transfer control method for a force device, wherein said storage means
From the data group to the external device via the connection means.
Transfer process, and when transfer instruction information is supplied
And, based on the power-on, the data group to the external device
And a transfer control step of transferring to

The invention according to claim 8 provides the mark according to claim 7.
In the character environment transfer control method, the transfer instruction information is
The user instructs the transfer of the data group to the external device.
It is supplied when the operation for indicating is performed.
Sign.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mark according to the seventh aspect.
In the character environment transfer control method, the transfer instruction information is
Supplied from the external device via the connection means.
Features.

The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 7.
In the printing environment transfer control method, the transfer instruction information includes:
Supplied when the data group of the external device disappears
It is characterized by the following.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention provides the host computer
Control codes and character codes from external devices such as data
Captures print data including
And the menu structure for setting the printing environment
Storage means for storing a data group for management,
Such as a printing device that performs a printing process on the print data.
A printing environment transfer control method for an output device, comprising:
The group of data stored in a stage is forwarded via the connection means.
A transfer step of transferring the data to an external device;
Compare the setting contents of
A determining step of determining whether or not the setting content of the group is updated; and
Based on the determination result of the determination step,
If it is determined that the content has been updated,
Wherein the data data group to be transferred, control the transfer Ri
And a transfer control step.

The invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to claim 11.
In the printing environment transfer control method according to
Operating method for setting the printing environment and the external device
Is the same as the operation method for printing environment setting performed in
It is characterized by the following.

[0019]

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the output device is communicably connected to the external device by the connection means, stores a data group for managing the print environment setting menu structure in the storage means, and stores the data group in the internal print environment setting means. Set the printing environment based on the data group,
The transfer means transfers the data group from the storage means to the external device via the connection means, and the transfer control means outputs the transfer instruction information.
Exclude data groups when supplied and based on power up
The transfer means is controlled so as to be transferred to the external device .

In the output device according to the second aspect, the transfer instruction information
Information tells the user to transfer the data group to an external device.
When an operation is performed to indicate
It is.

In the output device according to the third aspect, the transfer instruction information
Information is supplied from an external device to the transfer means via the connection means.
It is.

In the output device according to the fourth aspect, the transfer instruction information
Information to the transfer means when the data group of the external device disappears.
Be paid.

[0026] In the output device according to the fifth aspect, the connecting means may be used.
Connected to be able to communicate with an external device, and set the printing environment in the storage unit
Data group for managing the menu structure for
The data group stored in the storage means by the transmission means is transmitted via the connection means.
And transfers the data to an external device.
Compare the settings with the previous settings to set the data group.
Determine whether or not the fixed content has been updated, and use the transfer control
The data group settings are updated based on the result of the column determination.
If it is determined that the data group has been transferred,
Control the transfer so that it is transferred.

In the output device according to the sixth aspect, a printing environment setting is provided.
Settings and the printing environment settings performed on the external device.
Is the same as the operation method for.

In the printing environment transfer control method according to claim 7 ,
Transmits the data group from the storage means to the external device via the connection means.
Transfer when the transfer instruction information is supplied and when the power is turned on.
The data group is transferred to the external device on the basis of .

In the printing environment transfer control method according to claim 8 ,
Indicates that the transfer instruction information is externally
Supplied when an operation to instruct transfer to the device is performed
Is done.

In the printing environment transfer control method according to claim 9 ,
Indicates that the transfer instruction information is supplied from an external device via a connection unit.
Be paid.

In the printing environment transfer control method according to claim 10 ,
Indicates that the transfer instruction information indicates that the data group of the external device has disappeared.
Supplied to

In the printing environment transfer control method according to claim 11 ,
Compares the current setting of the data group with the previous setting.
To determine whether the data group settings have been updated.
The settings of the data group have been updated based on the
If it is determined, the transfer process transfers the data group.
So that the transfer is controlled.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing environment transfer control method.
Is the operation method for the print environment setting performed on the output device.
And operation method for printing environment setting performed on external device
Is the same as

[0034]

[0035]

[0036]

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of a laser beam printer which is a first embodiment of the output device of the present invention.

The laser beam printer 1000 is communicably connected to an external host computer, inputs print data (character codes, etc.), form information, macro instructions, and the like supplied from the host computer, and stores the information. At the same time, a corresponding character pattern, form pattern, and the like are created based on the information, and an image is formed on a recording sheet as a recording medium.

As shown in FIG. 1, a laser beam printer 1000 includes a printer control unit 1001 for controlling the entire apparatus and analyzing character information and the like supplied from a host computer, switches for operation, a liquid crystal display, and LEDs. Operation unit 101 provided with a display and the like
2 is provided.

The printer control unit 1001 mainly converts character information into a video signal of a corresponding character pattern,
This video signal is output to the laser driver 1002.

The laser driver 1002 includes a circuit for driving the semiconductor laser 1003.
On / off switching of the laser light 1004 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1003 is performed according to the input video signal. The laser beam 1004 is scanned and exposed on the electrostatic drum 1006 by being swung in the left-right direction by the rotary polygon mirror 1005. By this scanning exposure, the electrostatic drum 100
An electrostatic latent image of a character pattern is formed on 6. This electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing unit 1007 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1006, and then transferred to a recording sheet.

A cut sheet is used as the recording paper, and the cut sheet recording paper is stored in a paper feed cassette 1008 mounted on the laser beam printer 1000.

The paper feed cassette 1008 has a size detecting mechanism for detecting the size of the recording paper housed therein, and the size of the recording paper detected by the detecting mechanism is controlled by the control unit 100.
Given to one. The number of mountable paper feed cassettes 1008 is at least one.
Are prepared in advance for each size of the recording paper.

The recording paper in the paper feed cassette 1008 is taken into the apparatus by a paper feed roller 1009 and transport rollers 1010 and 1011, and is transported toward an electrostatic drum 1006.

The laser beam printer 1000 is provided with at least one or more card slots. In the laser beam printer 1000, an optional font card and a control card (emulation card) having a different language system can be connected in addition to the built-in font. Is configured.

Next, a printer control system of the laser beam printer 1000 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the printer control system of the laser beam printer of FIG.

The host computer 3000 connected to the laser beam printer 1000 has a control unit 2000 as shown in FIG. The control unit 2000 uses the RO
CP that executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets, etc.) are mixed based on a document processing program stored in the program ROM of M3
U1 is provided, and the CPU 1 comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 4.

The program ROM of the ROM 3 stores a C program together with a control program such as the above-described document processing program.
The control procedure (the flow shown in FIG. 5) performed by the PU 1 is stored, the font ROM stores font data used in the document processing, and the data ROM stores various data used in the document processing. Have been.

When the control program or control procedure stored in the ROM 3 is executed by the CPU 1, R
The AM 2 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data in the arithmetic and logic decisions of the CPU 1.

The CPU 1 has a keyboard (KB in the figure).
The instruction is given from 9). The keyboard 9 includes a character key group used for inputting characters, numbers, symbols, and the like,
A function key provided with a plurality of function keys for instructing execution of cursor movement, format setting processing, and activation.

A key code conversion process (conversion to an internal code) for an input symbol from the keyboard 9 is executed by a keyboard controller (represented by KBC in the figure) 5.

Characters, mathematical expressions, and the like corresponding to the key codes input from the keyboard 9 are displayed at predetermined positions on the screen of the CRT 10.

The CRT 10 is driven by a display controller (represented by CRTC in the figure) 6. The display controller 6 controls the positioning of the character string to be displayed at the position of the cursor on the screen and refers to the internal character generator. While the input character code is converted into a dot pattern, display control for displaying characters, symbols, and the like is performed.

Documents, edited files, calculation results, and the like created on the screen of the CRT 10 are stored in the external memory 11. The external memory 11 is composed of a hard disk device, a floppy disk device, or the like. Writing and reading to and from the external memory 11 are controlled by a memory controller (indicated by MC in the figure) 7.

The created document, edited file, calculation result, etc. are stored in a printer controller (P in the figure).
(Represented by RTC) 8. The printer controller 8 is connected to the printer control unit 10 of the laser beam printer 1000 via a bidirectional interface 21.
01 and executes communication control processing with the laser beam printer 1000.

The CPU 1 executes, for example, a process of developing (rasterizing) an outline font on the display information RAM set on the RAM 2 to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10. CPU1
Opens various registered windows based on commands specified by a mouse cursor or the like on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

On the other hand, the laser beam printer 100
The printer control unit 1001 is connected to the input unit 18 connected to the printer controller 8 via the bidirectional interface 21 and the program R in the ROM 13.
Control program stored in OM, external memory 14
Each device connected to the system bus 15 is comprehensively controlled based on a control program and the like stored in the printer unit and transmitted to a printing unit (printer engine) 17 via a printing unit I / F (printing unit interface) 16. A CPU 12 for supplying an image signal as output information. The CPU 12 performs a communication process with the host computer 3000 via the input unit 18.

The program ROM of the ROM 13 stores a control procedure (flow shown in FIG. 4) performed by the CPU 12 together with the above-described control program.
M stores font data and the like used when generating the output information, and the data ROM stores various data used on the host computer 3000 together with a data group for managing a printer environment setting menu structure (FIG. 3 is stored.

When the control program or control procedure stored in the ROM 13 is executed by the CPU 12, the RAM 19 is used as a work memory for temporarily storing various data in the arithmetic and logical judgments of the CPU 12, and a bit map memory, It is used as an environment data storage memory, NVRAM, or the like. RAM19
Expands the memory capacity in cooperation with the option RAM connected to the additional port.

An instruction from the operation unit 1012 is given to the CPU 12 via the system bus 15.

The result of the arithmetic processing by the CPU 12 is stored in the external memory 14. The external memory 14 stores font data, emulation programs, form data, and the like, as well as the above-described control programs. The external memory 14 includes a hard disk device, a floppy disk device, and the like. Writing and reading to and from the external memory 14 are controlled by a memory controller (indicated by MC in the figure) 20.

Next, the structure of a data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of a data group for managing a printer environment setting menu structure provided in the laser beam printer of FIG.

The menu structure for setting the printer environment is shown in FIG.
Has a hierarchical data structure, and by following this data structure hierarchically, the printer environment is set or changed.

For example, when the user sets the number of prints, first, an arrow key provided on the operation unit 1012 is pressed, and a control is selected from a menu. Further, the arrow key is pressed, and the number of copies is selected from the control menu. Next, the number of prints is input, and the input number is set. The set contents are stored in the RAM 19. By such an operation, the contents of the data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure are set, and the printer environment is set or changed according to the set contents. The setting for other data is performed by the same operation.

Next, the procedure for transferring a data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure by the printer control unit 1001 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for transferring a data group for managing a printer environment setting menu structure by the printer control unit of the laser beam printer of FIG.

Referring to FIG. 4, first, the user starts operating the operation unit 10 to transfer a data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure to the host computer 3000.
12 (operation S4).
1).

After the instruction to start the transfer, it is checked whether or not a data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure exists (step S42). If there is no data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure, the process ends.

If there is a data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure, this data group is transmitted to the host computer 3000 via the interface 21 (step S43), and when the transmission is completed, the processing ends. .

Next, a procedure of receiving a data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure from the laser beam printer 1000 from the laser beam printer 1000 by the host computer 3000 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a receiving process procedure of the data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure from the laser beam printer by the host computer.

Referring to FIG. 5, it is checked whether a data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure has been transmitted from printer control unit 1001 (step S51). When the data group is not transmitted from the printer control unit 1001, the process ends.

When a data group is transmitted from the printer control unit 1001, the transmitted data group is received (step S52), and the received data group is stored (step S53). After saving this data group, the process ends.

After completion of the receiving process, a printer environment for the laser beam printer 1000 is set based on the stored data group.

As described above, the host computer 3000
Performs the printer environment setting based on the data group used for the printer environment setting from the laser beam printer 1000. Therefore, the data group used for the printer environment setting of the host computer 3000 and the laser beam printer 100
0 is the same as the data group used for the printer environment setting, and a troublesome operation for matching the data group used for the printer environment of the host computer 3000 with the data group used for the printer environment setting of the laser beam printer 1000. You do not need to do this.

Further, when the optional trussler information is provided, there is no need to install the trussler information in the host computer 3000.

In this embodiment, the user operates the operation unit 1012 to start transferring a data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure to the host computer 3000.
Alternatively, when power-on is detected, the host computer 300 of the data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure is detected.
It can be set so that transfer to 0 is started.

Also, one laser beam printer 100
Although a system in which 0 and one host computer 3000 are connected via the interface 21 has been described as an example,
The principle of the present invention can also be applied to a system in which a laser beam printer 1000 and a plurality of host computers 3000 are connected via a network such as a LAN.
The plurality of computers 3000 can easily have data groups used for setting the printer environment of the laser beam printer 1000, and the labor required for operation can be greatly reduced.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The laser beam printer of the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the data group used for the previous printer environment setting is temporarily
The data stored in the AM 19 is compared with the data used in the previous printer environment setting and the data used in the current printer environment setting to determine whether or not the data group setting has been updated. Then, the updated data group is notified to the host computer 3000.

Next, a procedure for transferring a data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure by the printer control unit 1001 of the laser beam printer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for transferring a data group for managing a printer environment setting menu structure by a printer control unit of a laser beam printer which is a second embodiment of the output device of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, first, the data group used for the previous printer environment setting is fetched from the RAM 19 (step S61), and the data group used for the previous printer environment setting and the current printer environment setting are used. Is compared with the data (step S62).

Next, whether or not the data group has been updated is checked based on the result of the comparison in step S62 (step S6).
3). If the data group has not been updated, the process ends.

When the data group is updated, the updated data group is transmitted to the host computer 3000 via the interface 21 (step S64), and the process ends after the transmission is completed.

Next, a description will be given of a procedure for receiving an updated data group from the laser beam printer 1000 by the host computer 3000.

The procedure for receiving the updated data group from the laser beam printer 1000 by the host computer 3000 of the present embodiment is the same as the procedure of receiving by the host computer 3000 of the first embodiment. Is transmitted, the transmitted data group is received, and the received data group is stored. After the reception process, a printer environment for the laser beam printer 1000 is set based on the stored data group.

As described above, the laser beam printer 100
When the data group used for the printer environment setting of “0” is updated, the updated data group is stored in the host computer 3.
000, the host computer 3000
The data group used for the printer environment setting of the laser beam printer 1000 can always be matched with the data group used for the printer environment setting of the laser beam printer 1000.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The laser beam printer of this embodiment has almost the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the data group is transferred based on a data group transfer request issued from the host computer 3000 when the power is turned on. I do.

Next, data communication processing performed between the printer control unit 1001 and the host computer 3000 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 shows a receiving procedure of a data group for managing a printer environment setting menu structure from a laser beam printer by a host computer connected to the laser beam printer which is a third embodiment of the output device of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for transferring a data group for managing a printer environment setting menu structure by the printer control unit of the laser beam printer which is the third embodiment of the output device of the present invention.

When the power is turned on to the host computer 3000 (step S71), first, as shown in FIG. 7, it is checked whether or not a data group for managing a printer environment setting menu structure exists (step S71). Step S7
2).

If there is a data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure, the process ends.

If there is no data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure, a data group transfer request is issued via the interface 21 to the laser beam printer 10.
00 (step S73).

After transmitting the data group transfer request, it is checked whether or not the data group has been transferred from the laser beam printer 1000 (step S74).
A transfer request is issued until there is a transfer of a data group from.

On the other hand, the laser beam printer 100
8, the printer control unit 1001 monitors the presence or absence of a data group transfer request from the host computer 3000 as shown in FIG. 8 (step S81). If there is a data group transfer request, the data group transfer request is received. Is performed (step S82).

Next, a data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure is transferred to the host computer 3000 via the interface 21 based on the received data group transfer request (step S83).

On the host computer 3000 side, FIG.
As shown in (5), when a data group is transmitted from the printer control unit 1001, the transmitted data group is received (step S75), and the received data group is stored (step S76). After saving this data group, the process ends.

After the reception process is completed, the host computer 30
At 00, a printer environment for the laser beam printer 1000 is set based on the stored data group.

As described above, the host computer 3000
The data group is transferred from the laser beam printer 1000 based on the data group transfer request issued according to the presence or absence of the data group when the power is turned on.
0 becomes the same as the data group used for the printer environment setting of the laser beam printer 1000, and the host computer 3000
It is not necessary to perform a troublesome operation for matching the data group used for the printer environment with the data group used for setting the printer environment of the laser beam printer 1000.

In this embodiment, when the power is turned on, the host computer 3000 issues a data group transfer request according to the presence or absence of a data group. Instead, the data group held in the host computer 3000 has disappeared. At times, it can be set to issue a data group transfer request.
The cause of the disappearance of the data group held in the host computer 3000 is that when an instruction for deleting the data group held in the host computer 3000 is erroneously issued by the operator, the RAM holding the data group is used.
For example, the case where the backup power supply of No. 2 is cut off is considered.

In each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which a data group for managing the printer environment setting menu structure is transferred from the laser beam printer 1000 to the host computer 3000. Update the data group settings for managing the printer configuration menu structure,
Host computer 300 based on the updated data group
The printer environment is reset to 0, and the updated data group is transmitted to the laser beam printer 1000 via the interface 21, and the printer environment is reset on the laser beam printer 1000 based on the transmitted data group. It can also be configured as follows. With this configuration, the printer environment setting of the laser beam printer 1000 can be executed on the host computer 3000, and the convenience of the printer environment setting operation can be improved.

In the above-described configuration, the operation for the printer environment setting on the host computer 3000 and
By setting the operation for the printer environment setting on the laser beam printer 1000 to be the same, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable in the operation.

In each of the above embodiments, a laser beam printer has been described as an example. However, the present invention is applicable to other types of printers such as ink jet printers, dot matrix printers, LED printers, and output devices such as copying machines. Principle can be applied.

[0103]

As described above, according to the output apparatus of the first aspect, the data for managing the print environment setting menu structure is connected to the external device by the connecting means so as to be able to communicate with the external device. The group is stored, the printing environment is set based on the data group by the internal printing environment setting means, the data group is transferred from the storage means to the external device via the connection means by the transfer means, and the transfer instruction information is transferred by the transfer control means. When supplied
Transfer data to an external device based on power up and power up
Since the transfer means is controlled as required, it is possible to have the data group for managing the same print environment setting menu structure on an external device without performing troublesome operations, and easily set the same print environment on the external device can do.

According to the output device, the transfer instruction information is supplied to the transfer means as needed.
Since that can have a data group for managing the menu structure for the same print environment setting in the external device.

According to the output device of the fifth aspect, the connection device
Communicatively connected to an external device at the stage, and print environment in the storage means
Stores data group for managing menu structure for setting
The transfer means transfers the data group stored in the storage means to the connection means.
The data is transferred to the external device via the
Compare the current settings with the previous settings and save the data
It is determined whether or not the set contents of the group are updated, and the transfer control means
Based on the judgment result of the judging means, the setting contents of the data group
If it is determined that the data has been updated, the data
Data transfer is controlled so that groups of data are transferred.
The updated data group when the group settings are updated
Can be reliably held in the external device. Therefore, the surface
The same print environment setting menu can be used without performing complicated operations.
-It is possible to have data groups that manage the structure in external devices.
Easy to set up the same printing environment on external devices
Can be.

According to the output device of the sixth aspect, the printing ring
Operation method for environment setting and printing environment performed on external device
Since the operation method for border setting is the same,
Not to make the operation related to the setting uncomfortable
Can be.

According to the printing environment transfer control method of claim 7 ,
Then, the data group is transferred from the storage means to the external device via the connection means.
And transfer when the transfer instruction information is supplied and when the power is turned on.
Transfer the data group to an external device based on the
The same print environment setting menu can be used without performing complicated operations.
-Data group for managing the structure is stored in the output device and the external device.
Print environment set on the output device.
The same printing environment can be easily set on an external device.
You.

A printing environment transfer system according to claim 8 or claim 10.
According to the control method, the transfer instruction information is supplied as needed.
The same print environment setting menu structure.
Can be stored in an external device.

The printing environment transfer control method according to claim 11
According to the current settings of the data group and the previous settings,
To determine if the data group settings have been updated
The data group settings are updated based on the judgment result.
If it is determined that the data group has been
Set the data group because it controls the transfer so that it is sent
When the content is updated, the updated data
Can be securely held. Therefore, troublesome operation
The same print environment setting menu structure can be used without performing
Data groups to be managed can be stored in external devices.
You can easily set the same printing environment on an external device.
You.

The printing environment transfer control method according to claim 12
According to the operation of the printing environment setting performed on the output device,
Operation method and operation for printing environment setting performed on external device
The method is the same as
It is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0111]

[0112]

[0113]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a laser beam printer which is a first embodiment of an output device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printer control system of the laser beam printer of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a structure of a data group for managing a printer environment setting menu structure provided in the laser beam printer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a procedure for transferring a data group for managing a printer environment setting menu structure by a printer control unit of the laser beam printer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of receiving a data group for managing a printer environment setting menu structure from a laser beam printer by a host computer.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a transfer procedure of a data group for managing a printer environment setting menu structure by a printer control unit of a laser beam printer which is a second embodiment of the output device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of receiving a data group for managing a printer environment setting menu structure from a laser beam printer by a host computer connected to the laser beam printer according to a third embodiment of the output device of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure for transferring a data group for managing a printer environment setting menu structure by a printer control unit of a laser beam printer which is a third embodiment of the output device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,12 CPU 2,19 RAM 3,13 ROM 11,14 External memory 17 Printing unit 18 Input unit 21 Interface 1000 Laser beam printer 1001 Printer control unit 2000 Control unit 3000 Host computer

Claims (12)

(57) [Claims] An output device, such as a printing device, that receives print data including a control code and a character code from an external device such as a host computer and performs a printing process on the print data, and is capable of communicating with the external device. A storage unit for storing a data group for managing a printing environment setting menu structure; an internal printing environment setting unit for setting a printing environment based on the data group; A transfer unit that transfers the data group to the device via the connection unit, and when transfer instruction information is supplied and when power is turned on.
To transfer the data group to the external device.
An output device comprising: a transfer control unit that controls a transmission unit. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the transfer instruction information is transmitted by a user.
For instructing the transfer of the data group to the external device.
When the operation is performed, it is supplied to the transfer means.
The output device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The transfer instruction information is transmitted from the external device.
Being supplied to the transfer means via the connection means.
The output device according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transfer instruction information is provided in front of the external device.
When the data group disappears, it is supplied to the transfer means.
2. The output device according to claim 1, wherein: 5. An external device such as a host computer.
Print data including control codes, character codes, etc.
Printing device for performing a printing process on the print data
In the output device, such as a connection means for communicably connected to the external device, the data group to manage the menu structure for printing Preferences
Storage means for storing, said connecting means said data group stored in said storage means
Transfer means for transferring the data group to the external device through
To determine whether or not the setting contents of the data group have been updated.
Determining means for setting the data group based on the determination result of the determining means.
If it is determined that the specified content has been updated,
Control the transfer so that the data group is transferred via
Output control means for controlling
Place. 6. An operation method for setting a print environment and a method for setting the print environment.
The operation method for the printing environment setting performed on the
The output device according to claim 5, wherein the output device is the same as the output device. 7. An external device such as a host computer
Print data including control codes, character codes, etc.
Connection means for communicably connecting to the external device,
Data group for managing menu structure for printing environment setting
And storage means for storing
Printing environment transfer of output device such as printing device that performs printing process
A control method, comprising: connecting the data group from the storage means to the external device.
A transfer step of transferring data via the connection means, and when transfer instruction information is supplied and when power is turned on.
A transfer control step of transferring the data group to the external device.
And a printing environment transfer control method . 8. The transfer instruction information is transmitted by a user before
For instructing the transfer of the data group to the external device.
Claims provided when a crop is performed
7. The printing environment transfer control method according to 7. 9. The transfer instruction information from the external device
The power supply is provided via the connection means.
Item 7. The printing environment transfer control method according to Item 7. 10. The transfer instruction information of the external device
The data group is supplied when it disappears.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein 11. An external device such as a host computer
Print data including control codes, character codes, etc.
Connecting means for communicatively connecting to the external device
And data for managing the menu structure for setting the print environment.
Storage means for storing a group of data,
Environment of output device such as printing device that performs printing process
A transfer control method, wherein the data group stored in the storage means is connected to the connection means.
A transfer step of transferring the data group to the external device via the data group , and comparing a current setting content of the data group with a previous setting content.
To determine whether or not the setting contents of the data group have been updated.
Determining the data group based on the determination result of the determining step.
If it is determined that the set contents have been updated, the transfer step
Wherein such data data group is transferred by the control transfer
A print environment, comprising:
Transfer control method. 12. A printing environment setting performed on the output device.
Operation method for printing and print ring performed on the external device
It is characterized in that the operation method for the border is the same
The printing environment transfer control method according to claim 11.